Minoxidil+finasteride
About Minoxidil+finasteride
Minoxidil+finasteride belongs to a class of combination drug primarily used to treat alopecia (hair loss). Minoxidil+finasteride stimulates hair growth and slows down the process of balding. It is used to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Alopecia is the thinning or loss of hair on the scalp or any part of the body. Androgenetic alopecia is the permanent hair loss from the scalp that causes baldness.
Minoxidil+finasteride consists of two medicines, namely Minoxidil (vasodilator) and Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor). Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens and the blood vessels and opens potassium channels. This vasodilation process helps provide oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the hair follicles, thereby preventing the hair cell death and promoting new hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It reduces dihydrotestosterone (male hormone) levels, thereby preventing thinning of hair follicles in people with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
Use Minoxidil+finasteride as suggested by your doctor. Along with its needed effects, Minoxidil+finasteride may sometimes produce unwanted effects. Some common side effects of Minoxidil+finasteride include excessive hair growth, headache, skin irritation, itching, and dermatitis (itchy inflammation of the skin). These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve during the treatment. If you experience any other symptoms you think may be due to Minoxidil+finasteride, please consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride for abrasion, sunburn, and psoriasis since Minoxidil can cause sodium and water retention, angina (chest pain), pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), and other heart problems. Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin. Let your doctor know if you have a history of liver disease and urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow) before using Minoxidil+finasteride. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Minoxidil+finasteride.
Uses of Minoxidil+finasteride
Medicinal Benefits
Minoxidil+finasteride is a combination medicine of Minoxidil (vasodilator), and Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor) used to treat alopecia (hair loss). Minoxidil is a vasodilator that stimulates hair growth and prevents baldness. When applied topically, Minoxidil promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, thereby providing sufficient nutrition and oxygen to the hair cells. This process of supplying oxygen and nutrients to the hair cell prevents its death and stimulates hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor which reduces dihydrotestosterone (male hormone) levels, thereby preventing thinning of hair follicles in people with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Minoxidil+finasteride
- Excessive hair growth
- Headache
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Dermatitis
Drug Warnings
Tell your doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride if you have a history of liver disease and urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow). Do not use the topical Minoxidil+finasteride, if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), sunburn, and psoriasis without a doctor's advice. Let your doctor know if your allergic to Minoxidil+finasteride or any of its components, such as propylene glycol and ethanol (alcohol). Finasteride in Minoxidil+finasteride may be unsafe to use during pregnancy since it may have harmful effects on the foetus. If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding mother, Please consult a doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames when you have applied the Minoxidil+finasteride since it can catch fire and burn easily.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Minoxidil+finasteride may interact with drugs treating erectile dysfunction (sildenafil).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions were found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Minoxidil+finasteride is contraindicated in liver disease, urinary obstruction, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia, sunburn, and psoriasis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safeNo interaction found/ established. Please consult your doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Minoxidil+finasteride.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Minoxidil+finasteride passes into the breast milk and harms a baby during breastfeeding. Please consult the doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride if you are a nursing mother.
Driving
safeNo interaction found/established.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Minoxidil+finasteride.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Minoxidil+finasteride. However, it should be cautiously used in patients with kidney problems and urinary obstruction.
Children
unsafeSafety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy diet with well-balanced meals is advised.
- Avoid overusing styling tools like blow dryers, curling rods, and chemical dyes, which can cause loss of natural hair oils and hair fall.
- Regular oiling helps in the blood circulation of the scalp and nourishes the roots.
- Washing your hair twice a week with a good shampoo and conditioner can also improve your hair fall.
- Practise yoga and meditation to control your stress, which is the greatest enemy of hair fall.
- Get regular medical examinations to check your hormonal profile and nutritional deficiencies that cause hair fall.
Special Advise
- It is advised to monitor your hormonal and vitamin D profiles, which can affect your hair loss.
- Avoid contact of topical Minoxidil+finasteride with nose, mouth, eyes or broken, irritated skin as it may irritate. In case Minoxidil+finasteride comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Androgenetic alopecia: It is also known as male or female pattern baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs on the top and front of the head. On the other hand, in female pattern baldness, thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head. This condition is usually genetic in nature or mediated by the excessive secretion of the androgen dihydrotestosterone in both genders.
FAQs
Minoxidil+finasteride is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness).
Minoxidil+finasteride contains Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens and relaxes the constricted blood vessels promoting the blood flow to the hair cells. This process helps nourish the hair cells with the supply of oxygen and nutrients and stimulate hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase and inhibits miniaturization/thinning of hair follicles in patients with androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss).
Minoxidil+finasteride is for topical (scalp area) use only and not other parts. Do not put bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating with Minoxidil+finasteride. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water. Do not blow-dry your scalp after using Minoxidil+finasteride. Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin.
Please consult your doctor before using Minoxidil+finasteride if you have liver disease and urinary obstruction (blockage of urine flow). Do not apply the topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride on shaved, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp skin. Let your doctor know if your allergic to Minoxidil+finasteride or any of its components, such as propylene glycol and ethanol (alcohol). Do not use a topical form of Minoxidil+finasteride, if you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythms), sunburn, and psoriasis.
Minoxidil+finasteride is for scalp use and do not apply it on your face since it causes undesirable facial hair growth. If Minoxidil+finasteride gets in contact with any other body areas, rinse with water thoroughly.
Do not use Minoxidil+finasteride for beard growth. Minoxidil+finasteride is recommended for only hair loss on the scalp.
According to the FDA's guidelines, women can use only 2% of Minoxidil for hair loss. Hence, it is better to avoid Minoxidil+finasteride in women unless advised by the doctor.
Hair growth is a slow process, and it usually takes 4 months to see the best results of Minoxidil+finasteride. It is advisable to apply at least 2 times a day for better result.
While using Minoxidil+finasteride, you should avoid smoking as it can catch fire and burn easily. You should avoid contact of Minoxidil+finasteride with nose, mouth, eyes or broken skin. If Minoxidil+finasteride comes in contact with these areas, wash with water immediately.
Yes, after you stop using Minoxidil+finasteride, your hair loss may continue. Therefore, take your doctor’s advice before stopping Minoxidil+finasteride.
No, Minoxidil+finasteride is not meant for oiling your hair. It’s a hair loss treatment and should only be used as directed by the doctor.
No, you should not blow-dry your hair after applying Minoxidil+finasteride. You can use a blow-dryer after washing your hair. But it’s best to wait at least 4 hours before blow-drying or washing your hair, as this can reduce the effectiveness of Minoxidil+finasteride.
No, taking a higher dose of Minoxidil+finasteride will not be effective. Moreover, it can result in over-absorption of Minoxidil+finasteride into body and cause unwanted side effects. Please, consult a doctor you experience increased severity of symptoms.
You will be able to tell Minoxidil+finasteride is working if you notice a gradual decrease in hair loss. New hair may also begin to grow in thinning areas which will often be softer and lighter in colour. Over time, it will blend with your existing hair. Keep in mind that it may take a few months to see full results. So using the product consistently is important.
Store Minoxidil+finasteride at room temperature. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Keep it out of reach from children. Disposal of Minoxidil+finasteride is done by following the local guidelines.
If the side effects worsen or persist, stop using Minoxidil+finasteride and immediately consult your doctor.
Yes, you can use styling products after the Minoxidil+finasteride dries completely. However, avoid overusing styling products, like blow dryers, curling rods which leads to loss of natural hair oils and hair fall.
If you stop using Minoxidil+finasteride, hair loss may re-occur, and any new hair growth could be lost. To maintain results, its important to take Minoxidil+finasteride as advised by the doctor. The side effects like skin irritation, headache, and itching may be seen. However, consult a doctor before the side effects worsen.
No, Minoxidil+finasteride is only for external use on the scalp. Do not apply on other body parts.
Yes, you should inform your doctor about other medicines before using Minoxidil+finasteride, as it may cause drug interactions in some cases.
Minoxidil+finasteride can cause side effects such as scalp itching, irritation, pain, redness at the site of application, and excessive hair growth on other body parts. However, consult the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
